What to Expect During an IFS (Internal Family Systems) Session
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a form of psychotherapy that attempts to understand the human psyche by focusing on the internal interactions of our minds. It recognizes that the human mind consists of various “parts” or sub-personalities, that often disagree, conflict, or cause problems in our lives. The goal of IFS is to help individuals to become more self-aware, and better understand the roles these parts play in our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For many people who are interested in exploring their inner selves, IFS offers an alternative approach that has proven effective for many trauma survivors, individuals, and even couples. However, the thought of delving into the psyche can be unsettling, and not knowing what to expect during an IFS session can be intimidating.
Understanding the Basics of IFS: According to IFS theory, we all have an “inner family” made up of several parts that reside in our psyche. The ultimate aim of IFS therapy is to help clients recognize and heal the parts that are causing pain, along with their interactions with each other. It is important to know that while an IFS trained therapist may help guide you through the process, the work will involve an exploration of your inner self, thoughts, and feelings.
Starting the Session off on the Right Foot: IFS therapy sessions usually start by taking steps to create an environment that feels safe and comfortable for the client. The IFS therapist will typically begin by asking a few basic questions, such as why you are seeking treatment, what your goals are, and inquiring about your overall emotional state. This will often lead to a discussion about what aspects of your life you’d like to focus on and which parts of your inner self may be contributing to your current struggles.
Working through the Emotional State: As the session progresses, the therapist may encourage you to explore certain thoughts, emotions, and memories. You might be asked to identify and describe what you're thinking or feeling, and to label which internal part of yourself is responsible for this. You may be asked to get in touch with these internal parts, and express their emotions through various means, such as verbally or visually.
Improving Communication within the Internal Family: During an IFS session, the therapist will help you to identify the different roles played by your internal parts, and how they interact with one another. You may be encouraged to focus on strengthening the connection between the various parts of your “internal family” and developing communication lines between them to address internal conflicts, and safely address earlier traumatic memories.
Closing and Follow-Up: As the session ends, the therapist may summarize what you’ve explored during the session and offer insight or ideas that you can use during your everyday life to cope with internal experiences. It is also common for the IFS therapist to ask you for feedback and discuss your treatment plan and goals. After the session, it is essential to follow-up with your IFS therapist and perform the self-care activities that were discussed in session to help you continue on your journey towards healing.
A lot of self-discoveries can occur during an IFS therapy session, which can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. The sessions can be emotionally charged, but the approach is designed to keep you feeling safe and fully engaged in the process. During an IFS session, you’ll learn to better understand your internal parts, and how they might be contributing to your treatment goals. By the time you conclude your meeting with the IFS therapist, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to improve your internal communication, work towards overcoming inner conflicts, and how to use the tools you’ve learned to work towards your healing. In the end, the goal of IFS therapy is to promote growth and integration, resulting in a healthier and more fulfilling life.
